As you have all probably figured out by now the focus of this newsletter is on workforce development since September is Workforce month. The Chamber has made workforce development a key goal of our 2022 business plan…and with good reason. It is the number one issue identified by our members as keeping them awake at…
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Mesa University, and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership continue to work alongside each other to help connect graduating college students to career opportunities and resources throughout the Grand Valley through CMU Career Services and the Grand Junction Career Passport Program. The Passport Program launched in Fall 2021…
This fall, we will celebrate TEN years of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). Close to 90 businesses have been launched over the past nine years through this program and the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) – this calls for celebration! GJACC saw a tremendous opportunity a decade ago and jumped at the chance…
Thinking of starting a new business? Have an existing business you’re wanting to grow? How about a class on digital marketing or financial bookkeeping? Not sure if you can afford to hire that first employee? The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is your one stop shop for resources and support. At the SBDC we divide…
Being a Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) member has many meanings and typically ranges from business to business. As we have connected with members throughout the years we have found there are common denominators that keep our members involved and engaged. Your investment in the GJACC can affect your business positively in many…
Have you ever heard of the WorkKeys assessments? If not, I’m sure you are familiar with ACT, the company which provides standardized tests for college admissions. WorkKeys tests from ACT are essentially the standardized tests that show if individuals have the foundational skills needed for entering the workforce. A National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is…
Arguably the largest bottleneck and most challenging aspect when running a business is hiring and retaining a skilled workforce. With our current, difficult employment atmosphere and increasing technology needs within business, this gap is widening further. The Chamber, in partnership with The Business Incubator Center and Mesa County Workforce Center, are excited to continuing collaborating…
It wasn’t all that long ago that a career centers’ main focus on college campuses was to assist students with resumes, help them draft a cover letter and work through mock interviews. Although those are important tools for a student’s toolbox, the question on every student’s mind come graduation is “now what?” True to form,…
Last month, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy student/CEOs met with an investor panel in a “shark tank” like experience to pitch their ideas and ask for seed capital. Eight students were awarded a cumulative total of $7500 to start their enterprises. The students/CEOs will now launch their businesses and participate in a trade show on May…
He’s BAAACK! Perennial favorite, Dr. Richard L. Wobbekind, Director of the Business Research Division and Associate Dean for MBA and Enterprise Programs at the University of Colorado Boulder will provide an economic outlook for the nation, state, and Mesa County on Monday, December 13th starting at 12pm at Colorado Mesa University, South Ballroom. Our thanks…